Jayelisa Little, Alabama State University- c/o 2017, Mathematics Education
Name : Jayelisa Little
HBCU : Alabama State University
Graduation Year : 2017
Major : Mathematics Education
Email : jylslittle@yahoo.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I'm originally from Hampton, VA; however, I grew up in Tuscaloosa, Al. My mother and aunts attend the HBCUs, Hampton University and Tuskegee University. They highly suggested that I considered having an HBCU experience for myself.
My day that I became an Alabama State University Alumnus. December 2017
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose an HBCU over a PWI because I grew up as one of the 7 or 8 black students out of 30 students in my honors classes. After my first year at Alabama State University, I realized that there was a tremendous amount of my own history that I was wasn't exposed to during my grade school years.
My grandmother taught Mathematics before I was born. Although I never met my grandmother, I know that she is living within and through me. I'm honored to be apart an outstanding family of legends. Legacy Lives.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
Alabama State University is sincerely the land of opportunity.
I participated heavily in almost every department of the institution such as Band (Flag Corp), The College of Visual and Performing Arts (Music, Dance, & Theatre), Student Government Association (NPHC), Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM Academy, NSTI and UNITE Program), Athletics Tutoring Program, Acadome Ushers (Event Usher), Gourmet Services (Cafe Cashier), and the Office of Technology Services (ASU Phone Operator).
With branching out to the different departments, it allowed to me to gain experience, knowledge, and understanding on how my Alabama State University operates. I was able to interact and make friends with individuals from all around the world. I learned a lot about myself, personally, that I wasn't aware that I was capable of doing.
Every year, I grew in specific ways in order to help someone else. My experience at Alabama State University catered more to my spiritual and emotional needs more so than anything else.
Academics came naturally for me because I love education, and that's my first priority behind Christ, of course. I learned to love myself and others for who they are. My mind is now set on hoping that I help the next person get to where they're destined to be in life as well.
I believe that what I went through during college, molded and transformed my character in order to speak out and motivate someone else who may be in similar positions.
In all, Alabama State University is what YOU make it. You will not get anything out of it unless you step out of your comfort zone, try something new, and trust the process. That's where your destiny lies. It's not easy because you will have every distraction in the world surrounding you, but when you make a decision to live intentionally, everything else will fall in place.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
My first time experiences at ASU are the following but not limited to:
- Marching in a Marching Band: We traveled to so many different places to perform. It was a moment that took a lot a time and work in order to present ourselves as great. The Price of Glory is High.
- Acting in a One Act Play: This was one of the nervous moments for me because how I performed, determined a Senior's final grade for her class. I was an understudy at first, but I ended up having the leading role. It was a huge step out of my comfort zone because I didn't believe that I had the courage to act. However, through rehearsals and exercises, it turned to be one of the best acts.
-Singing at Inaugurations, ASU Banquets, President Events, Sports Games, Connection Day, Convocations, etc: These were the highlights of my college years because I spent time with an amazing group of women (Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity for Women) expressing our love for music. Singing is my favorite hobby, so to be able to sing regularly throughout college opened a lot of doors for me to sing in the community.
- Higher Education Day Rallies: I wasn't into politics as a first year student at ASU. However, I learned that it's important to be aware of what's going on at your school and in your community. This experience was extremely informative and I am grateful for the opportunity.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. Kimberly Brown and Dr. Robert White are the professors who introduced and informed me about my BLACK History. Their classes were the most interesting and influential assets to my life. They informed us as students about who we are as Black Kings and Queens and the dominance that we uphold.
Dr. Carl S. Pettis, my math professor, is the smoothest and most professional man that I know. He presented himself as an amazing and hardworking black male figure, and that wasn't something that I was familiar with growing up being raised only by my mother. He meant business at all times and expected nothing but the best from me as a student.
Through the business, he taught life lessons. After taking his classes, I worked for his programs during the summer and he became a mentor to me and someone that I could talk to about anything. He has wisdom for years and is a very family-oriented individual, which is why I believe that the connection formed. He has done so much for me as a professor and I couldn't be more grateful for him and the Mathematics department.
Comments
Alabama State University
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Students: 6,075
Under Graduates: 5,356
Post Graduates: 719 - Athletics: The Alabama State University Department of Athletics currently sponsors men's intercollegiate football, baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, track and cheerleading along with women's intercollegiate basketball, soccer, softball, bowling, tennis, track, volleyball, golf and cheerleading. Sports teams participate in NCAA Division I (FCS – Football Championship Subdivision for football) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
- Notable Alumni: 2 Chainz - Artist - (Attended)** Lil Yachty - Artist - (Attended)** Ralph David Abernathy - Civil Rights Leader and Minister - c/o 1950 Tangi Miller - Actress - c/o 1993** London "Deelishis" Charles - Reality Star - (Attended)** Fred Gray - attorney who represented Rosa Parks during the Montgomery Bus Boycott** Eugene Sawyer - politician and businessman, former Mayor of Chicago from 1987–1989
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